2653: Order! Order!

Twelve symmetrically placed, unclued lights (one hyphened) appear in a form suggested by a word that may be linked to their original forms (all normal words). Their unchecked and mutually cross-checking letters together spell out CRIPPLING LINKMEN DINING IN.

Across

1    Bridges crossing American and Asian boats (7)

6    Spanish plateaux framed in rocky seam (7)

11    Addresses person arrested by western marine (6)

13    Smart new union member issued forth drinks (4-7)

18    Unemployed star in audition (4)

20    Regularly observed Neptunian volcano (4)

21    Raise studs on outskirts of Epsom, chief (6)

23    Band splits, going west (5)

24    Taught withdrawn girl about old coin (8)

27    Unexpectedly produce a leap (8)

28    Wildcats run into unfledged hawk (5)

32    African volunteers protecting dying bird? (6)

34    Indian clerk’s twins starting up banking business (4)

37    Large paper covering international arrest (4)

41    High-flier for observing dodgy Latino bloke (4-7)

43    Battles small grubs making a comeback (6)

44    Silences a lot of barred females (7)

45    Hurtful daughter, outwardly reluctant (7)

Down

1    Headgear promotion covered by amount traded (7)

3    Our lounge I’m converting into a cabaret (6,5)

5    Greeted in the manner of equal hosts before Democrat (8)

6    Exciting leg-over’s extremely idiotic (5)

7    Organ initially played for US marshal (4)

9    Adult banter free from anxiety (2,4)

10    Sweated a little over prosecuted fences (7)

14    Frank, for GOV.UK, level of resistance? (4)

16    Payment, say, put up for toy (6)

17    Possibly rent actor – no, singer (6-5)

22    Rogue really is every so often a source of poison (6)

25    Hollow shelled Malian molluscs (8)

27    Lancers have such men holding up flanks of attack (7)

30    Conceive drink with attitude (7)

31    Surrey and England batsman once bated ‘Richie’ somewhat (6)

33    Cut short cakes up (4)

36    Flies alone, whichever way you look at it (5)

39    Grand draught? (4)

Download a printable version here.

A first prize of £30 and two runners-up prizes of £20 for the first correct solutions opened on  27 May.