The Guardian Quick puzzle clues 2023 Aug 19

• American ex-soldiers (abbr) Crossword Clue
• Big Ben (London) — Old Joe (Birmingham) Crossword Clue
• Close friends Crossword Clue
• Desire Crossword Clue
• Disparage Crossword Clue
• Excavation from which minerals are extracted Crossword Clue
• Flip Crossword Clue
• Gripping item? Crossword Clue
• If grey, it's not easy to interpret Crossword Clue
• Imitated uncritically Crossword Clue
• Irresponsible Crossword Clue
• Left behind — unoccupied Crossword Clue
• Mix Crossword Clue
• Next door Crossword Clue
• Not a laughing matter Crossword Clue
• Not certain Crossword Clue
• One on the run Crossword Clue
• Patron Crossword Clue
• Scary perks (anag) Crossword Clue
• Speed Crossword Clue
• (Strong) drink holder Crossword Clue
• Sweeper Crossword Clue
• Under cover? Crossword Clue
• Very small (informal) Crossword Clue