Crossword Genius

Urgent request to have access controls (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

entreaty

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'urgent request' is the definition.
'entreaty' can be an answer for 'request' (entreaty is a kind of request). I am unsure of the 'urgent' bit.

'have access controls' is the wordplay.
'have' becomes 'eat' (eating is a kind of having).
'access' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters gain access).
'controls' becomes 'entry' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'eat' going into 'entry' is 'ENTREATY'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for entreaty that I've seen before include "Earnest plea" , "application for assistance" , "Teeny rat (anag.)" , "Supplication" , "Appeal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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