Cryptic crossword No 631

Hello the, and congratulations on a very impressive first contribution. I found it dry, serious, and testing, but fair and pleasing in almost every case. The standard of clueing was consistently high. I needed a minute or several to crack most clues, but was able to do so without assistance when I concentrated sufficiently. Favourites included 12a, 16a, 18a, 6d and 8d. Very well done! Minor quibbles and spoilers to follow…….

Thanks the (great name!), a quite tough but very enjoyable puzzle. Lots of clever clues, favourites for me were 9a, 13a, 23a, 27a, 28a, 1d, 3d, 8d, 15d, 22d, 24d. Spoilers in reply ...

Thanks to the (setter)! A most enjoyable and satisfying puzzle to solve. I was largely on your wavelength despite some minor technical quibbles, most of which Fez has picked up in his comments. Ultimately defeated by 19D, though - see slightly spoilery reply. Favourites included 5A, 23A (nicely disguised), 27A (poignantly topical), 28A, 1D (neat), 6D and 8D.