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Re 7d, I was also struggling with that, as I couldn't see any relation to what I thought the answer must be (china) with the definition. If it's cockney rhyming slang (china plate-mate) then shouldn't there have been some indication in the clue about that? Getting from 'intimate' to china is quite a stretch!

I also can't parse 24a, assuming I have the right answer:
Relentless striving produces nation of arses (3,4)

I have all the crossers (r-t-a-e) so think it must be rat race, which fits with the definition, but I can't see how it works.

Re Malone at post no 20:

The clue for 16d was 'Crude oil money given to crafty southern Russians? (9)

I was also stuck on that one, and your answer fits, but, aside from the anagram of OIL, and S for southern at the end, I can't work out the rest of it. Can you explain please? Many thanks!

I think 24 A is just a double definition. As well as fitting'relentless' striving', a 'rat race' would be a 'nation (country etc) full of...'.

Jules... I think 16 has an anagram (crudely) of OIl, g = grand, thousand pounds, money, Arch is crafty and S is southers.

Ah, okay, many thanks Malone. Not the best clues, imo!!

Cowbit. stop behaving like a troll, again. It's unpleasant

Many thanks for the parsing of
16d!
Cheers
Mr.salad

18a...Political delaying tactic is frustrating shitty act (8,6)
Any help appreciated.

I think the second word must be "motion" but I cannot think what the first one is.

Tough w/o spoilers, but the second word is clearly MOTION and the first word would have to end ...ING.