Jacob Rees-Mogg was rebuked by the House of Commons speaker after announcing he wanted MPs to return to Parliament within weeks.
The Commons Leader said on Wednesday that he did not want “hybrid” arrangements, which have seen many MPs dial in to Commons debates through webcam, to continue beyond June 2.
Mr Rees-Mogg called on all 650 MPs to “set an example of how we move back gradually to a fully-functioning country again” by returning after the Whitsun recess.
Speaking after the first ever digital Commons vote, he extended the current virtual Parliament until May 20 but added he wanted to shift “as quickly as possible” to “physical ways of working".
But his remarks, which surprised the opposition benches, were quickly slapped down by the Commons speaker, who insisted safety came first.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle told the Commons: “My priority and the priority of all, I’m sure, is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated.
“[...] Nothing in the Leader’s announcement changes the position on social distancing in and around the chamber and throughout the parliamentary estate – only changes to the guidance from Public Health England can do that, I think we’re all agreed on that.”
In a further rebuke to Mr Rees-Mogg, Sir Lindsay insisted he would suspend Commons debates if MPs broke social distancing rules.
Currently only 50 MPs - around a sixth of the usual amount - are allowed in the chamber in person, while up to 120 can join proceedings and vote remotely via the Zoom app.
Mr Rees-Mogg’s comments sparked fury among opposition politicians and unions, who stressed many MPs have caring responsibilities and underlying health conditions.
A Labour Party spokesman demanded that ministers publish urgent public health guidelines for Parliament, adding: “This flies in the face of the government’s own public health advice and their message to work from home where possible.”
Philippa Whitford, an SNP MP, called the move “crazy”. Labour’s Clive Lewis claimed it was influenced by “Tory hawks” seeking a “premature” end to lockdown.
