This crossword No. 969 clues and answers were published on Sun 20 Apr 2014 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 969 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Imitate : COPY
3-across – Ship’s drainage : SCUPPERS
9-across – Dishevelled : UNKEMPT
10-across – Smile scornfully : SMIRK
11-across – Coronet : TIARA
12-across – Character : NATURE
14-across – One who resists change : STICKINTHEMUD
17-across – Bordeaux wine : CLARET
19-across – Grieve : MOURN
22-across – Islamic holy city : MECCA
23-across – Apathy : INERTIA
24-across – Make the best of : OPTIMISE
25-across – Impel : URGE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Good manners : COURTESY
2-down – Genuine : PUKKA
4-down – Lash : CATONINETAILS
5-down – Propose : POSIT
6-down – Witticism : EPIGRAM
7-down – Rice wine : SAKI
8-down – Start : EMBARK
13-down – Toothless : EDENTATE
15-down – Unlawful : ILLICIT
16-down – Restrict, hinder : HAMPER
18-down – Kingdom : REALM
20-down – Downright : UTTER
21-down – Pulpit : AMBO
This crossword has in total 26 where 13 are across and 13 are down.