Video: National MPs react to 'flag crisis' meeting

Video: National MPs react to 'flag crisis' meeting

National Minister Maggie Barry has denied the party is in panic mode over the upcoming flag referendum, despite inviting MPs to discuss ways to promote changing it.

Newshub learned of the meeting, which was initially going to be held at the Backbencher pub across the road from the Beehive, but was shifted at the last minute.

Only 10 of the 59 National MPs showed up to the crisis meeting in her office this morning.

But she says that number doesn't indicate support for change within the caucus.

"It's about sharing information," she says.

Prime Minister John Key, who has led the campaign for change, says Ms Barry isn't running a campaign for change, but there MPs who are interested in how they "garner support" for a change.

He maintained the party wasn't "rattled" on the issue.

Senior ministers Gerry Brownlee, Judith Collins, Nathan Guy and Steven Joyce were not at the meeting.

Newshub.