Fenprof, the national teachers' union, refused to continue negotiations with the Government over the teaching career statute after the ministry barred the union Stop from the meeting because it was protesting outside the Ministry of Education. Fenprof said it could not accept what it called an undermining of the right to protest; the Secretary of State for Education said the Government will not negotiate “under pressure.” Teachers and school staff should watch how the standoff affects progress on the career statute and any planned strike or industrial-action dates.