MPs have slammed US social media giant Facebook for censoring references to faggots and peas on the popular platform.

Members and administrators of the Facebook history group Pensnett, Brierley Hill and Blackcountry Now were left in disbelief after receiving warnings about content from the California tech company when talking about the traditional local dish.

In America the word faggot is often used in a derogative way about gay people but in Britain faggots are meatballs traditionally hand-made with offal by butchers and served with mashed potatoes and peas...a particular favourite in the Black Country.

The popular local history group, set up on Facebook by Linda Beech for members to share old photographs and reminisce about Black Country heritage, has been threatened with closure over the use of the word and some admins have been shut down for breaching the platforms community standards by permitting it to be used.

Dudley South MP Mike Wood was among those outraged by the news and he has written to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

In an official letter sent to the tech firm CEO, he said: "It’s ludicrous that you’re banning a group celebrating a local recipe. What next? Censorship of spotted dick and a lifetime ban for Bake Off?

"There is nothing homophobic, discriminatory or hateful about faggots and peas. I know this is not the first time that this has happened, and so it is time that Facebook updated its filters to respect and recognise the cultural significance of the Black Country faggot and apologises to this group for the unnecessary upset that this automated disciplinary process has caused.

"Online services like Facebook have an important – and challenging – role to play in combating abuse and extremism on their platforms, and I know the hurt that inappropriate language can cause. I don’t pretend that there are any easy solutions that will keep everybody happy. However, perhaps I could suggest as a rough rule of thumb that hate speech rarely involves recipes for offal meatballs and peas.

"I trust that you will take action to remove the threat to this important group and its administrators, and look forward to welcoming you for a meal of faggots and peas next time you are in Brierley Hill."

Dudley North MP Marco Longhi has also blasted Facebook's censorship and he said: "This woke agenda has gone too far. First it was historic statues and now it’s our food. What will they target next? I’m very tempted to send Mr Zuckerberg some lovely homemade faggots and peas."