Neil

@jbesen Yep. Also a little confusing on the association of red and blue to political parties. Never understood why it's the opposite way around in the US with red's association in many countries with the left.

@Steve L While in principle I agree, but the clue says "to Brits", which normally means how Brits would refer to the item.

@Elizabeth Yep. Still working my way through it but, being in my 50s, reminded me straight away of school, and the "rude" use of some equipment,

@Aaron Hi, it literally comes from a bag of rags, meaning a collection of scraps. We certainly use it in the UK. We also use Ragtag.

@Spencer I did get a bit confused part way through, and thought I'd made a mistake, but couldn't see what I'd gotten wrong. I think if the clue for 39A had hinted at, or referred to, the initial letters of the other answers, that'd have reduced any confusion.