Spectator 2462

[pomona]

1d Extremely skimpy uncovered heap (6) T??R?? toorie?
7d Pound snatched by tight old dark character? (6)

Help please too with the theme...

[ProfessorMaisie]

That's a good way of thinking about the problem - the TRATE, entry in particular - because it could suggest that the theme involves N. Ireland leaving the UK (to unite with the Republic?) then you'd start looking for other entries where NI was removed from answers.
In this case, you're looking for a different salt with a similar disposition.
Good luck, barnaclebill58 - you're thinking along the right lines.