A surgical instrument comprising: an elongate tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said tubular member has a length sufficient to permit position of the distal end within an anatomical cavity while the proximal end remains external to the anatomical cavity; a user interface coupled to the proximal end of said tubular member; an articulating tool assembly coupled to the distal end of said tubular member and operatively connected to said user interface, wherein movements made at said articulating tool assembly mirror movement of said user interface; cabling members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) extending through said elongate tubular member, said cabling members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) operatively connecting said user interface and said articulating tool assembly; and wherein the user interface further comprises a handle assembly and a ball and socket assembly operatively coupled to said handle assembly, wherein movement of the handle assembly controls movement of a ball of said ball and socket assembly, thereby providing lateral and vertical movement of the articulating tool assembly; characterised by: a support assembly carrying said ball and socket assembly, wherein said ball and socket assembly includes a socket having openings and said ball has protruding arms (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), said ball being disposed with said socket and said protruding arms (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) projecting from said openings of said socket; and whereby each protruding arm (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) provides an attachment point for one cabling member (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d). an elongate tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said tubular member has a length sufficient to permit position of the distal end within an anatomical cavity while the proximal end remains external to the anatomical cavity; a user interface coupled to the proximal end of said tubular member; an articulating tool assembly coupled to the distal end of said tubular member and operatively connected to said user interface, wherein movements made at said articulating tool assembly mirror movement of said user interface; cabling members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) extending through said elongate tubular member, said cabling members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) operatively connecting said user interface and said articulating tool assembly; and wherein the user interface further comprises a handle assembly and a ball and socket assembly operatively coupled to said handle assembly, wherein movement of the handle assembly controls movement of a ball of said ball and socket assembly, thereby providing lateral and vertical movement of the articulating tool assembly; characterised by: a support assembly carrying said ball and socket assembly, wherein said ball and socket assembly includes a socket having openings and said ball has protruding arms (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), said ball being disposed with said socket and said protruding arms (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) projecting from said openings of said socket; and whereby each protruding arm (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) provides an attachment point for one cabling member (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d). a support assembly carrying said ball and socket assembly, wherein said ball and socket assembly includes a socket having openings and said ball has protruding arms (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), said ball being disposed with said socket and said protruding arms (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) projecting from said openings of said socket; and whereby each protruding arm (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) provides an attachment point for one cabling member (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d).