1: ...or a conservative speech (7)

3: Irk Papa severely with sweet pepper seasoning (7)

7: Antelope found in oriental country.(5

9: Pests in a census? Distorted. (9)

10: Totally lacking a lofty plaything (3)

11: Complain about the horse (3)

12: Decisive curl twisting around spy body (7)

13: Clearances for the first couple of characters to find answers. (11)

14: Therefore, finish off this bit of work (3)

16: Capture ten heading north (3)

18: Rejecting crew's work on board, you rest at the stern (8,3)

21: Everyone in exhibition lacking in character (7)

22: Carries most of sea-bird back. (3)

23: First get a French weapon. (3)

24: Plastic canister filled with fifty licorice sticks (9)

25: Broadway show's inane cast (5)

26: Hammers small rock outcroppings (7)

27: Bald guy squashes insect (7)

1: Spend too much time on the track where powerlines are frequently found. (4-5)

2: Loud noise in vocal number (7)

3: Charles talked about pictures of sea creatures (6,2,5)

4: Strip legumes (7)

5: Incorporated transportation firm and bank (7)

6: Nature photographer leans out (5)

8: Chump getting past in chasm (5)

9: ...near fishing boats stocked with cold bait (5,8)

15: Get bunger out for renowned German printer (9)

17: Take peach heart to make sweet tart (7)

18: Effective narration (7)

19: Dragging endless returns from a tightwad (7)

20: Algerian city has grand musical instrument (5)

21: Reed heard veggies may come in them (5)