This paper explores the interplay between crises, opportunities and democratic change. A vast body of scholarship underlines that crises very often open ‘windows of opportunity’ that can, on some occasions, lead to radical shifts in the role of the state and the design of public policy. Even if a radical shift occurs it may prove to be a temporary change, with relationships and processes quickly reverting to pre-crisis modes once the immediacy of the crisis has abated. Drawing upon the empirical analysis of recent events in the UK, the central argument of this paper is that although Covid-19 revealed the existence and social impact of deep and structurally entrenched inequalities it is unlikely to lead to a far-reaching or long-term shift in post-pandemic democratic governance. The distinctive and original element we seek to bring to this argument is an explicit focus on the role of emotions (notably fear) within debates concerning the legitimate role of the state.