Jacob Rees-Mogg has apologised after a Tory MP voiced concerns over a Union Jack flag flying upside down over parliament amid the country’s escalating coronavirus crisis.

“I am sorry that this has happened,” the leader of the House said. “I am glad it has been brought to the attention of the House authorities.”

Robert Courts, Conservative MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire, had brought the issue to the attention of parliament, making a play on the flag serving as a distress signal when the wrong way up.

“I would not want to be seen to be too much of a stickler for these things,” he said, “but my right honourable friend will no doubt be distressed to note that the Union Jack above Portcullis House has been flying upside down for some time.”

“This could be a mistake,” he added, “but could we have a debate in government time as to whether in fact the building is in distress or whether it is the MPs within it are in distress.”

As Mr Rees-Mogg started replying, members across the bench shouted “flag” at him as he mentioned the Union Jack.

“Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,” he said. “There is this pedantic but erroneous view that it should be called the Union Flag and it is used by people who are more pedantic than they are wise.”

The floor erupted with laughter.

“I imagine that someone is as we are speaking going to correct this,” a smiling Mr Rees-Mogg said.

“I assure you that members of parliament are not in distress,” he added.

Mr Courts raised the issue in parliament as the country prepares for a potential Covid-19 epidemic, which England’s top doctor said this week is looking “likely”.