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# Coronavirus lockdown could provide an opportunity for positive change, Lichfield and Burntwood MP claims
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/coronavirus-lockdown-could-provide-an-opportunity-for-positive-change-lichfield-and-burntwood-mp-claims/
- Published: 2020-04-25T09:28:46.000Z
- Updated: 2020-04-25T09:28:59.000Z
- Description: The coronavirus lockdown could be an opportunity rather than just a challenge, the MP for Lichfield and Burntwood has claimed.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Business, Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:18, News

The coronavirus lockdown could be an opportunity rather than just a challenge, the MP for Lichfield and Burntwood has claimed.

In [a piece written for the Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/04/24/coronavirus-challenge-could-opportunity-better-future/?ref=lichfieldlive.co.uk), Michael Fabricant said history had shown that “change need not herald disaster”.

His comments come as the country continues to face restricted movement and economic challenges due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Conservative MP said the current crisis could turn out to be a decisive moment in history.

> “Once in a generation or so, cataclysmic events transpire which shape the future in unimaginable ways. This pandemic is one such event.  
>  
> “Just as we separate the periods of terrorism between pre- and post-9/11, history might well divide our society into pre- and post-coronavirus eras.  
>  
> “But the cataclysm which saw the end of the dinosaurs and the birth of mankind shows that change need not herald disaster.  
>  
> “COVID-19 may well spark a societal and political revolution which could ultimately improve many of our lives for the better.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP

Mr Fabricant played down the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, arguing that the situation was “artificially-induced” to help save lives.

> “Unlike in 2008/09, the fundamentals of the economy still remain strong.  
>  
> “The pent-up demand from people being stuck in their homes with little to spend their money on will almost certainly see a splurge of retail spending once restrictions start to ease.  
>  
> “There have already been cases of this. The retailer Next recently returned to selling clothes online after a two week absence, but became overwhelmed with so many orders it had to close again for a day.  
>  
> “Similarly, other aspects of our daily lives will slowly return to normal.  
>  
> “But some aspects of life may not go back to the way they were. And this will be a good thing.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP

#### “The work from home revolution”

Many people have been forced to work from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

And it is a working method which Mr Fabricant says many organisations may now consider as a long term option.

> “Conventional working practices will still endure of course, but one thing this pandemic has shown us is that a Zoom or Skype conference can be just as useful as a physical meeting, and that some workers can be equally as productive, if not a lot more productive, working from home.  
>  
> “The work from home revolution will also have other positive effects.  
>  
> “More remote working will mean less money spent on train season tickets for many employees, giving them an effective pay-rise.  
>  
> “In a twist of fate, this pandemic could do more to redistribute jobs and opportunities around the country – and away from London – than any Government policy ever could.  
>  
> “And if distance working is maintained, the already dubious business case for the ludicrously expensive HS2 project becomes even more doubtful.  
>  
> “It’s hard to understate the potential of just how much this pandemic has to change our lives – for the better.  
>  
> “Turn a challenge into an opportunity, I always believe.  
>  
> “The challenge of COVID-19 could be the opportunity of a better future.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP